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Information about Hepatitis A and B Immunizations

Both the hepatitis A and B immunizations are considered very safe and effective. The hepatitis A series is two shots about six months apart, and the hepatitis B series is three shots over a six month period. There is also a combination vaccine available that prevents against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Click here to download an information sheet about the hepatitis A vaccine
Click here to download an information sheet about the hepatitis B vaccine

Information about Hepatitis A and B Testing:

The hepatitis A test can tell if someone currently has hepatitis A and is usually only done when someone has symptoms. Another hepatitis A test can tell if some has protection from infection, either from previous infection with hepatitis A or by hepatitis A immunization. The hepatitis B test is much more complicated, and can also tell if someone is currently infected. Another hepatitis B test can tell if someone has been immunized or had hepatitis B in the past. Hepatitis C testing is more common than hepatitis B testing, but hepatitis B testing is most often recommended for people who are first or second generation immigrants from counties where hepatitis B is endemic or common such as China, Korea, Japan and most of the Pacific Islands.

Information about Hepatitis C Testing:

Screening for antibodies to hepatitis C (anti-HCV) is the first step in identifying people living with hepatitis C. If antibodies are found, a second test that looks for the virus itself) should be used to confirm current infection. The presence of antibodies does not tell whether the infection is new (acute), long term (chronic), or has been resolved (no longer there), which is why it is important for people who test positive to see a doctor for further testing.

For more information on testing positive, click here

Hepatitis A/B Immunization and Hepatitis C Screening Program

The STD/AIDS Prevention Branch offers hepatitis A/B immunizations and hepatitis C screening for adults who do not have insurance or are unable to receive services through their doctor. The STD/AIDS Prevention Branch uses risk-based eligibility based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.

Hepatitis C screening is primarily for people with identified risk factors such as experience with injection drug use or other needle use. Hepatitis A and B immunizations have the following criteria:

Vaccination services are NOT for travelers unless they are also uninsured and have one of the above criteria.

Viral Hepatitis Services at STD/AIDS Prevention Branch Counseling and Testing Sites in Hawai‘i

		Big Island
		Maui County
		O’ahu
		Kauai County